Caramba blue

Cultivation Break

Season Overview

Description

Sea kale (bot. Crambe) is a genus of plants in the cruciferous family (Brassicaceae) within the order Brassicales. The genus comprises 34 to 37 species, which are found from Central Europe to Western Asia. The various species of sea kale each have their own unique uses. True sea kale (Crambe maritima) plays an important role in the diet as a wild and cultivated plant. The appearance of its large, wavy leaves in a gray-green color is the basis for its name. The species Crambe hispanica is an oil plant and is used as a renewable raw material for oils and waxes. Sea kale thrives in its wild form on the beaches of the Atlantic, the Black Sea, and the Baltic Sea. The wild plants are now protected. Some edible species are considered a delicacy in France, the USA, the Netherlands, and England, where they are cultivated on a large scale. As coastal plants, they are exceptionally useful for greening salt-affected soils. In our local gardens, the giant sea kale (Crambe cordifolia) is probably the best-known representative of this genus. Distribution Species of the genus Crambe are found from Central Europe to Western Asia. In the south, they thrive as far as the regions of North Africa. They are found on the Canary and Macaronesian Islands. Eight species are native to Europe. Giant sea kale is native to the northern Caucasus and today grows across large parts of Russia, in Ukraine, and as far as Siberia. The species Crambe kotschyana thrives in Central Asia, in the northwest of the Himalayas, and in northern Iran. Tatarian sea kale (Crambe tataria) is a wild plant from the steppe regions of eastern and southern Europe. In Western Europe, the species is considered a postglacial cold-steppe relict. Slender sea kale (Crambe strigosa) is endemic to the Canary Islands. This term describes plants that, unlike the globally distributed species, are found within a specific, geographically limited range. Sea kale (Crambe maritima) now grows wild in Germany. It occurs on fallow land with a high water table. Leaf The leaves of the sea kale grow on long stems. They are oval to elongated and wavy. The leaves vary in color from dark green to blue-gray to gray-green. They reach a length of between five and fifteen centimeters and a width of between ten and twenty centimeters. Flower The flowers of the sea kale are hermaphroditic and four-petaled. They have four white petals. These are arranged in the cross-shaped pattern characteristic of cruciferous plants. The small white flowers have a strong fragrance and grow in large umbels at the tips of the shoots. The inflorescence is highly branched. The flowering period of sea kale begins in early summer, starting in early May. Pollination of sea kale is carried out by insects (zoophily). Fruit Members of the genus Crambe produce two-chambered pods as fruit. A single seed matures in each pod. This seed is a spherical nut. Growth Sea kale species are perennial plants with a herbaceous growth habit. Each plant develops a taproot that extends deep into the soil. Sea kale is hardy and reaches a height of 40 to 180 centimeters. Giant sea kale is by far the tallest species in the genus. The leaves of sea kale are borne on tall, branched stems. In addition to the taproot, the plants form fleshy, thick roots that branch profusely. Caramba Blue is a vegetatively propagated variety of sea kale with large, bluish, frosted leaves. As a very floriferous variety, it is particularly suitable for harvesting sea kale broccoli. If you allow it to flower, you will see that this perennial vegetable also makes a beautiful, white-flowering perennial for the perennial garden. The blue-violet coloration of the leaves in our photo is typical of this variety’s spring growth. However, this fades as spring progresses and the plants continue to grow. This variety of sea kale sprouts slightly later than other varieties.

Growing tips

Location Sea kale species prefer a predominantly sunny to semi-shady spot to thrive. Sun is essential for all species of the genus, otherwise they will wither. In the garden, they like to grow in an airy position, in keeping with their natural habitat. Wind does not harm the plants. On the contrary: the plants feel most at home in a fresh breeze. They love well-drained, loamy-sandy soils. The soil should ideally contain plenty of nutrients and provide sufficient moisture. Sea kale is only suitable for mixed cultivation to a limited extent; most species prefer to stand alone in the bed. Care/pruning Sea kale is sown in pots or directly into the open ground in spring. Pre-soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours accelerates germination when sowing. After one to two weeks, it is advisable to move the young plants. Young plants require a space of around 60 square centimetres as soon as they have leaves. Propagation by root or tip cuttings proves to be easier. The cuttings grow in pots or beds in moist soil and take root within a few weeks. Sea kale requires a regular supply of water. However, it does not tolerate waterlogging as it tends to rot in stagnant water. Many of the species that thrive in our gardens are happy to receive a small amount of fertilizer regularly, preferably composted manure. Removing the inflorescences of edible species maximizes the harvest. Utilization The benefits of sea kale vary depending on the species. The true sea kale, known as sea kale or beach kale, used to be used as a fodder plant. The species is now a protected species. It thrives as a halophyte (salt plant that adapts to the high salt content of its natural habitat) on salty and barren soils in coastal areas. In cultivated form, it is used in domestic gardens as an ornamental plant or vegetable, as this species is edible. Crambe maritima is similar to asparagus in its preparation. The sea kale is extremely rich in vitamins, its leaves and stems are juicy and mild in taste. It is suitable as an accompaniment to meat and fish dishes. Diseases/pests All species of the sea kale genus are considered robust and vital plants. They are not susceptible to diseases such as cabbage hernia or downy mildew. Sea kale is rarely attacked by pests. Slugs and snails like to eat its leaves. The whitefly and cabbage white butterfly avoid sea kale. Rotting occurs if the plant is waterlogged or planted too close together or in an insufficiently airy location.

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Light (sandy)

Nutrient requirement

Medium

Plant distance

70 cm

Row spacing

90 cm

Seeding depth

1.5 cm